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Old School Tactical: Volume 1 – Fighting on the Eastern Front 1941/42 (2016) Board Game

ByMichail

Old School Tactical: Volume 1 takes players back to the Eastern Front of World War II, specifically focusing on the fighting that occurred in 1941 and

  • Players will experience the challenging battles between the Axis and Soviet forces during this critical period of the war.

    • Game Components

  • Counters:** 4 sheets of unit, weapon, vehicle, and condition counters representing soldiers, guns, and vehicles of the period.
  • Maps:** 2 large 30″ x 41″ mounted game maps.
  • Cards:** 27 Luck Cards and 54 Unit-Data Cards.
  • Rulebook:** A 23-page full-color rulebook and a playbook listing all scenarios.
  • Dice:** Included for resolving combat.

    How To Setup

    Setting up the game involves preparing the maps, counters, and cards. Each scenario has specific setup instructions outlined in the playbook, which includes details on which map sections to use, control hexes, off-board assets, special rules, and the force mix for both German and Soviet forces. Players need to place their counters on the map according to the scenario’s setup instructions and distribute the necessary cards and dice.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Game Mechanics:**
  • Dice Rolling:** Used to resolve attacks and combat.
  • Hexagon Grid:** The game map is divided into hexagons, dictating movement and combat ranges.
  • Simulation:** Simulates squad-level combat on the Eastern Front.
  • Impulse System:** Players take turns spending Impulse Points to act, creating dynamic and variable turn lengths.
  • Game Objective:**
    – Players aim to complete scenario-specific objectives, such as capturing control hexes or eliminating enemy units. The game ends when the scenario’s conditions are met, and the victor is determined by casualty and victory points.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Old School Tactical: Volume 1** offers an immersive and intense experience of World War II squad-level combat. The Impulse system creates a dynamic and unpredictable battlefield, where the momentum can shift quickly between players. The game’s straightforward rules and detailed components make it accessible to new players while offering depth for experienced wargamers. Each scenario is meticulously designed to reflect historical battles, adding a layer of realism and historical context.

    Pros

  • Historical Accuracy:** Detailed scenarios and units based on historical events.
  • Dynamic Gameplay:** The Impulse system creates tense and unpredictable battles.
  • Easy to Learn:** Straightforward rules despite the game’s depth.
  • High Replayability:** 27 scenarios, including two new tutorial scenarios in the second edition.

    Cons

  • Missing Components:** Some scenarios may require downloading missing counters, a minor inconvenience.
  • Complex Setup:** While the rules are easy to learn, setting up each scenario can be detailed and time-consuming.

    Personal Thoughts on Old School Tactical: Volume 1 – Fighting on the Eastern Front 1941/42

    This game is ideal for wargamers and history enthusiasts who enjoy squad-level tactical combat. The second edition’s improvements, including new counter art and updated rules, make it a must-have for both new players and those familiar with the series. The game’s balance between simplicity and depth ensures it appeals to a broad range of players, from casual gamers to serious wargamers. If you’re looking for a game that combines historical accuracy with engaging and dynamic gameplay, **Old School Tactical: Volume 1** is an excellent choice.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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